Summer 2017 Exams & Results

Message from the Principal:

I am looking forward to issuing our students with their results in recognition of the hard work and commitment they have shown over the past two years. These last 4 months have been particularly difficult for all concerned, but I continue to be impressed with the professionalism and support given by our staff and the positive and mature way in which all the students have conducted themselves throughout this period.

I will of course, continue to be on-hand throughout the summer period to answer any of your queries. To aid you in understanding the processes and to inform you of the timelines associated with the exam boards, I have put together a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and links to the Joint Council for Qualification (JCQ) regulations, policies and guidance papers. I hope these can answer many of your initial questions and give you the guidance you may need.

If you cannot find the answer to your questions within this page, please email me directly on gail.stonier@futuretech.warrington.ac.ukfor any further queries or concerns about exams and results and I will get back to you as soon as possible with the answers.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to share further information and guidance on the new GCSE reforms and how they now line up with the new number system. Click here to access factsheets and explanations of what is now to be accepted as a “good pass” and how these results will be reflected in the school performance measures.

The DfE have provided a GCSE factsheet for parents/guardians to provide clarification.There are also two videos that will explain results day for GCSE and A Level.

Q1) What if I want to appeal against my L3 mark?
Please follow the advice and guidance given in the ‘post exams results’ section.
If you request a remark or access to your scripts, then you must do this immediately, by contacting Gail Stonier and sending an email or written confirmation of your request for an ‘Enquiry about results’. You have until 7 days after receiving your results to request a remark or check of results (24th August 2017).

Q2) What if my results are not what I expected – what should I do?
If better than expected…
· If you had a conditional firm offer you met and exceeded, you might be curious about courses with higher entry requirements. If so, you can see what’s available in the UCAS Adjustment service

If things aren’t as good as you’d hoped..
· If this could have an impact on your university placement please look for course vacancies in our clearing service, or look into other options – like a gap year, work or an apprenticeship – either instead of higher education, or just while you reapply for next year

Q3)What is clearing?Clearing is how universities and colleges fill any places they still have on their courses. It’s an ideal way for you to find another course. It’s available from July to September each year.

If you already have your exam results but you have no offers, you can use clearing from July.
If you had conditional offers but your exam results didn’t go to plan, you can use Clearing from results day, when Clearing vacancies will be listed in our search tool.

Clearing vacancies are updated regularly by universities and colleges. If you don’t find the course you’re looking for straight away, try again later. If your exam results are reasonable and you’re flexible on subject/location, there’s still a good chance you’ll find another course.

Q4) How do I use clearing?
If you’re applying after 30 June, you still need to register and make an application. In clearing you need to complete all the application as normal, including your personal statement, but you can’t add course choices. When you submit your application you receive a welcome email to access the Track service where you’ll find your clearing number. You then follow the steps below – ask for advice, search for vacancies in our search tool, and contact unis and colleges to try to find a place.

Once you have permission from a University you want to go to, you can add the course in track.
· You’ll know you’re in clearing if your track status says ‘You are in Clearing’ or ‘Clearing has started’.
· If track doesn’t say either of these yet, it might just be waiting for your results to update. Get in touch with the Universities/Colleges if it’s taking a while – they might still be considering you, even if your results are a bit lower than required.
· If you originally only applied for one course for the reduced fee of £13, you’ll have to pay an additional £11 to enable you to apply for multiple courses.

Q5) What if I want to go to uni but haven’t applied yet?
Please use the UCAS clearing process, please see Question 3.

Q6) Is there any more information regarding this years results?
Yes, the DfE has provided some useful information and info-graphics available to you below:

Post Exam Results Service & Appeals

All information regarding exams, results, enquiries about results (EAR) and certificates will be clearly documented on the FTS website

Supporting policies and procedures from JCQ and FTS will also be available via the FTS website

Forms for EAR, remarks, access to scripts, student authorisation and appeals; are available from the FTS website

FAQ’s and answers will be on the FTS website

A direct email link to the Head of Centre (Principal) is also available from 24th June till 31st August 2017. All enquiries and contact will be acknowledged within 24 hours

FTS will be open for results dissemination on 17th August 2017 and 24th August 2017

Statements of results will be issued on A Level and GCSE results days; otherwise posted out to individuals who have not picked up results

FTS will be open for drop in guidance and support from 9am till 3pm with access to senior leadership on the following days; 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th August 2017

Post 31st August 2017 – all post result enquiries, student communications and award body decisions regarding marks, access to scripts and appeals to be dealt with by Geoff Walker

A direct email to Geoff Walker will be made available on the FTS website and will replace the Head of Centre (Principal)

Any changes to grades or results coming in, will be notified to the FTS centre through Geoff Walker

All pre-examination assessment decisions, results of coursework and moderation evidence to be held electronically within the Trust.

If you are dissatisfied with your results and have reason to suspect it may not be accurate, you must first make an enquiry to Future Tech Studio.

If you would like to request re-marks or inquiries about results (EAR) to the awarding body, you must go through Future Tech Studio first (The Centre). You must formally request this through the centre (G. Stonier). You must provide your written consent for re-marking and access to scripts (an email is acceptable evidence); please use Appendix A or B listed below to start this process.

Information is given in JCQ Post Results Service information guidance. Appeals can only be made after EAR outcomes are known; guide to awarding body appeals process. Only the head of centre can submit appeals to the relevant awarding body.

As a centre, we must store safely and securely all your non examination assessments such as controlled assessments, coursework or portfolios until the deadline for enquiry about results has passed, or until the appeals, malpractice or results enquiry has been completed, or whichever is later.

To submit an appeal please print/download one of the following documents as all appeals must be made in writing and clearly state the grounds for appeal;

Deadlines

24th August 2017 – Deadline for requests for A Level scripts reviews.
31st August 2017 – Deadline for requests for GCSE scripts reviews.
7th September 2017 – Award bodies return scripts to centre for tutors to review.
21st September 2017 – Requests for enquiry about results to be submitted.

Grade Changes

Where a grade change or change to marks has occurred, following the certificate previously being issued, the award body will send a replacement certificate indicating the revised grade.

Where there has been a reduction or lowering of marks and grade(s) the request cannot be revoked or revised and the original mark or grade cannot be re-instated.

FAQs

Fill in appendix A or B form and send to Gail Stonier via email before 31st Aug 2017. Or send an email authorising your consent for the centre to access your script (ATS) clearly stating your candidate number and which exam and component you require access to.

If you get a ‘4’ in either English Literature or English Language you do not need to resit English, even if you get a ‘3’ or below in the other English. A ‘4’ is a standard pass and equivalent to a ‘C’ grade.